Richards originally signed for the Cobblers in 2003 and his first two year stay at Sixfields he scored thirteen goals in 42 starts and 24 substitute appearances.

After successful spells with Barnsley, Port Vale and Chesterfield, he was re-signed for the Cobblers by Chris Wilder in May 2014.

Richards was appointed captain, and scored 50 goals in a very successful second spell in the claret and white over three and a half years, making 103 starts with another 41 appearances from the bench. He lifted the Sky Bet League 2 trophy at Sixfields as the Cobblers were crowned Champions in May 2016.

In all, Richards has made over 600 career appearances, scoring 187 goals.